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Generations of children have grown up in New Orleans and they enjoy life there just as much as their elders do. There are lots of fun places and activities for tourist children to experience, even beyond the river boats, carriage rides, and sweet beignets of the French Quarter.

In New Orleans, travel can be part of the entertainment, as it involves options such as street cars and ferries that many other cities lack. If they capture your kids' imagination, consider integrating a ride with a visit to an out-of-the-way attraction, or just take a round-trip for the heck of it.

Algiers Ferry is the more common name for the Canal Street Ferry. It runs from near the aquarium to the Algiers neighborhood and is free for pedestrians. Enjoy the views of the city from the Mississippi!

Hop on a Streetcar. When your kids end up reading "A Streetcar Named Desire" in 11th grade English, they'll have something to relate to. There are 3 streetcar lines. One goes from Canal Street near the Quarter up St. Charles and S. Carrollton to S. Claiborne. Another goes along the river from Esplanade to the Convention Center. Third goes from Canal near the Ferry landing up to City Park Avenue, with a spur going along N Carrollton to Esplanade. That takes you to City Park in front of the art museum.

Storyland, City Park, [7]. Tu-F 10AM-3PM, Sa-Su 11AM-6PM. This playground is inhabited by characters sculpted by some of the city's best Mardi Gras float makers.$3 for 36+, free for the short ones. edit

Pedal Boats, City Park (In front of the art museum, right near the streetcar stop.), ☎(504)224-2601, [8]. An adult and up to 3 kids can navigate these boats on a half-hour ride around Big Lake. There's also a two-person pedal boat that won't fit under the bridge -- but is in the shape of a pelican!edit

Gondola, City Park Big Lake (In front of the art museum, right near the streetcar stop.), ☎504-450-4400. W-Su 1PM-10PM. Evenings are the busiest times for couples, but perhaps your kids would like a taste of Venice in New Orleans earlier in the day.$5/person/15 min.. edit

Cafe du Monde, 1039 Decatur Street, [11]. You can try to teach your kids the word "beignet", but make sure you let them know they're going to get powdered, sugar-covered doughnuts, and they'll be on-board for CDM's specialty at this 100+ year-old landmark.edit